destroy

destroyverb

To destroy something is to harm it so badly that it can no longer exist or work as it did before.

1. damage completelydamage something so badly that it no longer exists or cannot be used or repaired

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • The fire destroyed the whole building. V + obj
   • Their home was destroyed in the flood. V + obj
   • The storm destroyed most of the crops. V + obj

   Collocations

   adverb + verb completely destroy, almost destroy, partly destroy

   noun + verb a fire destroys something, a storm destroys something

   phrase be destroyed by fire

   Antonyms build; create; make

   Compare damage (harm only partly); break

2. ruinharm something such as a hope, a relationship, or someone's life so badly that it cannot be saved

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • The accident destroyed his hopes of playing again. V + obj
   • Don't let one argument destroy your friendship. V + obj
   • Lies destroyed their trust in each other. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun destroy a career, destroy a relationship, destroy someone's life, destroy trust, destroy hopes

   Synonyms ruin

3. kill an animalkill an animal, usually because it is sick, hurt, or dangerous

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] usually passive [usually passive] euphemistic

   • The injured horse had to be destroyed. usually passive
   • The dog was destroyed after it attacked a child. usually passive

   Collocations

   phrase have to be destroyed

   Compare put down (more informal)

4. defeatbeat someone completely and easily in a game or competition

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] informal

   • We destroyed them in the final. V + obj
   • She destroyed every player she faced. V + obj

   Collocations

   adverb + verb completely destroy, easily destroy

   Synonyms beat